cardboard kingdom

By FadedBlues

a superhero doesn't need a worksong.
he rushes into burning buildings & brings out every
grateful tenant unharmed. he swoops down & grabs
in his arms the pretty girl who has somehow fallen
off a cliff, then flies into space to deflect a meteor on
a collision course with Earth. they hang medals around
his neck, & the damsels whose distress he has vanquished
show their appreciation with lavish kisses.

when the black man sings about workin' on the chain gang,
the guy with the sore back moans about loading 16 tons,
the tubercular crew stumbles reluctantly toward another
shift, workin' in the coal mine, I know those songs. the tunes
are etched in my soul, 'cause I never was a hero.

on a dusty shelf in an abandoned library, is the book that
nobody reads. soiled cover containing crumbling parchment
pages, mouldering binding, ink blurred & streaked:
the book of my life.

I've walked thru jungles with strong men who have shaken
the mountains with their trembling, & shattered the sky,
broken every star, with their screams.

when I look back over the years of my arduous journey, I see
clearly the reason for the trials of my past, & of my future:
the hourglass is cracked,
and the sands of time run red...

it's been said that on the shining day of that final
Judgment, when we all march into heaven, the first shall
be last & the last first. if that's true, I will be at the head
of that broken parade.





 

Unauthorized Copying Is Prohibited. Ask the author first.
Copyright 2012 FadedBlues
Published on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.     Filed under: "Poetry"
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Comments on "cardboard kingdom"

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  • Slingnasty On Saturday, November 10, 2012, Slingnasty (138)By person wrote:

    Wow FB this was just awesome I offer a bow sir! How those jungle paths turn to desert sand as we age!!

  • Magdalena On Thursday, October 25, 2012, Magdalena (616)By person wrote:

    We take so much for granted in life and often we forget about those who put their life on the line for us....... A wonderful write Blues.

  • Nehema On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, Nehema (962)By person wrote:

    You are a hero in my book. Every time I read you, your words make me feel something. This one gave me goosebumps. Like Mother Teresa said, "Just do what is needed right in front you" that's what real heros do - XXOO Scholar

  • Sean Mc Shane On Friday, October 19, 2012, Sean Mc Shane (615)By person wrote:

    Excellent Piece, 'Blues. Awesome writing and the last stanza was one of the best. Cool. Later -

  • FadedBlues On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, FadedBlues (2172)By person wrote:

    Friends, thanks so much. you help to ease the burden...

  • A former member wrote: well written and insightful poem

  • Devilish On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, Devilish (2662)By person wrote:

    I told god that if my grama wasn't for some reason to make it I would trade mine if they were worthy but if she makes it she won't need em i would glady give em to you especially if it takes you any further to the front,, i love you fadedblues and your poetry heals me.. Scholar

  • dwells On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, dwells (4288)By person wrote:

    Memorable and marvellously wrought, thanks Faded, this was just superb.

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